Delhis Air Quality Plummets To Severe Category; GRAP III Enacted, Construction Halted, Schools Shut | Delhi News |
The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category, leading to the closure of schools and various health concerns. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 346 in the national capital. Several areas, including Lodhi Road, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, and IGI Airport (T3), recorded exceptionally high AQI readings of 438, 491, 486, and 473, respectively.
To combat the alarming air pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has resorted to measures like sprinkling water in the Lodhi Road area. In neighboring Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, areas such as Sector 62, Sector 1, and Sector 116 also experienced a ‘severe’ AQI.
In response to the worsening air quality, authorities have imposed a ban on non-essential construction work and temporarily closed primary schools in Delhi to protect public health. Dr. Nikhil Modi from Apollo Hospital emphasized the need for precautions due to the rising pollution, such as wearing masks and minimizing outdoor activities.
Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, implemented a five-day ban on construction work in areas with AQI levels exceeding 400. Additionally, the government launched the “Red Light On Gaadi Off” campaign and plans to hire 1,000 private CNG buses to enhance public transportation.
As the region grapples with farm fires and unfavorable weather conditions, there are concerns among scientists and medical professionals that pollution levels will surge further in the Delhi-NCR area over the next two weeks, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues, especially among children and seniors.
#DelhiPollution #AirQualityCrisis #PublicHealthAlert #CleanAirNow #EnvironmentalConcerns